tcsc1839 Fluvoxamine (maleate)

Fluvoxamine maleate is an antidepressant which functions pharmacologically as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Target: SSRIs

Fluvoxamine (maleate) is the maleate salt form of fluvoxamine, which is effective in inhibiting 5-HT uptake by blood platelets and brain synaptosomes. The antagonism by fluvoxamine of the reserpine-induced lowering of the pentamethylenetetrazole convulsive threshold can be regarded as due to an effect upon 5-HT uptake. In contrast to the effects of desmethylimipramine and imipramine, no stimulatory effects are found in rats when rapidly acting reserpine-like compounds are given following a dose of fluvoxamine [1]. fluvoxamine appears to improve combat-related PTSD symptoms but not depressive symptoms. The high attrition rate and lack of a placebo group limits the conclusions of our study. Controlled studies of fluvoxamine in the treatment of PTSD are warranted [2]. Fluvoxamine was less potent at decreasing ethanol self-administration when food was available concurrently versus when ethanol was available in isolation [ED50: 4.0 (2.7-5.9) and 5.1 (4.3-6.0)]. Effects on food were similar under each condition in which food was available. The results demonstrate that the potency of fluvoxamine in reducing ethanol-maintained behavior depends on whether ethanol is available in isolation or in the context of concurrently scheduled food reinforcement [3].

Clinical indications: Depression; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Social phobia

" FDA Approved Date: December 5, 1994

Toxicity: Anorexia, Constipation, Dry mouth, Headache, Nausea, Nervousness, Skin rash, Sleep problems, Somnolence, Liver toxicity, Mania, Increase urination, Seizures, Sweating increase, Tremors, or Tourette's syndrome.